Ominous history for Biden: Incumbents trying to win over their parties often struggle to win again
Democratic Party leaders are publicly standing by President Joe Biden after a disjointed debate performance
By Bill Barrow
Published - Jul 03, 2024, 12:15 AM ET
Last Updated - Jul 03, 2024, 12:15 AM EDT
ATLANTA (AP) — There's plenty of worry among Democrats about whether 81-year-old President Joe Biden is up to the job itself or the task of defeating Donald Trump.
Previous presidential campaigns offer lessons. None convey reasons for optimism.
Going back to Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968, several presidents eligible for reelection faced significant primary challenges or questions about whether they should run again. George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford pushed forward and won their nominations, only to be defeated in November. Johnson opted to withdraw — and Democrats lost anyway.
